Advent Calendar 2025: Get the Best Beauty & Wine Now

This time of year, nothing screams "I'm organized!" quite like having your Advent calendar locked down. What started as chalk marks on a wall has become the ultimate holiday ritual and in 2024, they're bigger, better, and selling out earlier than ever.

The history of this delightful tradition and why you need to snag the best Advent calendars right now.

From Chalk Lines to Luxury: The Advent Calendar History

The tradition of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is ancient, but the calendar itself is a relatively modern German invention.

The Origin Story (19th Century): The earliest version of the Advent calendar emerged in the mid-19th century in Germany, where families would use chalk to mark 24 days on a door or light one of 24 candles.

The First Printed Calendar: The calendar as we know it was popularized by Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s. Inspired by his mother, who made him a calendar with 24 tiny cookies or sweets, Lang created the first commercially printed version with little doors that opened to reveal a picture or Bible verse.

The Chocolate Revolution: While the original calendars just contained pictures, the sweet stuff started appearing in the 1950s. By the 1990s, the cheap chocolate version became the standard globally.

Today? It's evolved into a luxurious, high-value, and deeply personal gift. The modern calendar is less about counting to Christmas and more about enjoying 24 days of curated surprises.

Why Calendars are Time-Sensitive Items

If you've been waiting until December 1st to shop, you're too late. Advent Calendars 2024 are flying off the shelves in October. Why the rush?

Massive Value: High-end calendars are famous for containing products worth two, three, or even four times the purchase price. They’re a genius hack for trying luxury brands at a fraction of the cost.

Limited Stock: Retailers only produce a fixed quantity. Once they’re gone, they’re gone especially the most desirable ones. This creates a massive Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) drive.

The Best Advent Calendars 2024 to Shop Now

You still have time to secure one of the must-have boxes, but you need to act fast.

For the Self-Care Queen: Beauty Advent Calendars

The beauty advent calendar category is exploding, offering a chance to sample luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance. High-end offerings from brands like Diptyque, Charlotte Tilbury, and Sephora are the most anticipated drops of the holiday season.

Why They Sell Out: The sheer value is unmatched. You get a curated set of miniatures and full-sized products that you might have been wanting to try all year.

For the Cozy Night Connoisseur: Wine Advent Calendars

Say goodbye to the tiny chocolate; the adult equivalent is a sip of holiday cheer every night. Wine Advent calendars and spirit-focused versions (like gin, whiskey, or cocktail kits) are immensely popular. They include 24 small bottles or cans, perfect for sampling without commitment.

Why They Sell Out: They elevate the "happy hour" experience and make a perfect centerpiece for adult gatherings throughout December.

For the Foodie or Hobbyist

Look for calendars dedicated to your niche. These make fantastic and thoughtful gifts:

Gourmet Snacks: Jerky, cheese, or specialty hot sauce calendars.

Cozy Drinks: Luxury tea or coffee capsule calendars.

Interactive Fun: LEGO, jigsaw puzzles, or book-a-day countdowns.

My Tip: If you want one of these high-value, time-sensitive items, check the major retailer sites immediately—they’re dropping daily! Don't wait for a sale; the deal is the price itself.

Photo by Torsten Dettlaff